Nikon has introduced the Z6III, the latest addition to the Z series. Featuring Nikon’s first partially-stacked CMOS sensors (24.5MP) and the EXPEED 7 processor. The Nikon Z6III offers incredible speed in both image capture and autofocus. A wonder in low light, the Z6III’s multi-subject autofocus works 20% faster than the Z6II and is accurate down to -10EV. The Z6III’s bright, high-resolution EVF is a joy to use as you capture up to 120 still frames per second. The flip-out screen allows for self-taping, easy filming, and shooting from various angles. Capable of internal N-RAW recording up to 6K/60p and slow motion HD up to 240p, the Z6III is ideal for filmmakers and photographers alike.
Key Specs of the Nikon Z6III
- K/60p Internal N-RAW video recording
- Oversampled 4K UHD, 4K/120p, Full HD/240p slow motion
- AF detection down to -10EV
- EVF 5760k-dot resolution
- ISO sensitivity range of 100-64000, with extended range up to Hi 1.7 (equivalent to ISO 204800).
- 8 stops of built-in image stabilization
- Flip Out Screen
Some of the Most Significant features of the Nikon Z6III
Building on the impressive feature set of the Z6 and taking notes from the pro-level features of the Z8, the Nikon Z6III offers a ton of functionality and practically applied technology that allows creators to do their best work.
Nikon Z6III Improved Autofocus
The Nikon Z6III feels at home in low light. Not only do we get low-noise images at high ISO, as demonstrated in the boxing shots above, but we also have fast and accurate auto-focus. With autofocus detection capability down to -10EV, the Z6III can find and track your subject in the dimmest lighting conditions. While we might not all be shooting in an old boxing gym, we might be shooting in a beautiful old church if we are wedding photographers. Or on a moonlit beach if we are portrait photographers. The Z6III focuses 20% faster than the Z6II and can recognize human faces that take up as little as 3% of the frame.
Z6III Bright EVF
With a 5760k-dot resolution and a max brightness of 4000 nits, the Nikon Z6III’s viewfinder is easy on the eyes. A 120 fps maximum refresh rate means what you see through the viewfinder looks and feels natural. This is especially noticeable when photographing fast-moving objects. Great for wildlife photographers as well as those capturing sports. For accurate reproduction of tones, Nikon has expanded the color gamut of the Z6III’s viewfinder for an equivalent of DCI-P3. It can’t be overstated how important an EVF is to the mirrorless user. After all, this is how we see the world – through the lens and the EVF.
Wide ISO Range
As noted, the Nikon Z6III dominates low light with its fast, accurate autofocus and low noise at high ISO. Upgraded from the Z6II’s normal range of 100-52000, the Z6III has a standard range of up to 64000. Besides the obvious benefits to those shooting with available light, improving high ISO functionality is a boon to those who choose to light their subjects. With the ability to use higher ISO, we can bring a less powerful and thus smaller, and often battery-powered flash, where we would once have carried cases of gear. This capability to do more with less allows us to create images as we have always dreamed of. Images we could not have created in the past due to time and gear restrictions.
Vibration Reduction
When you want to keep your ISO lower or your aperture more closed down, the Nikon Z6III provides 8 stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This allows us to shoot handheld with much slower shutter speeds than usually possible with a given focal length of the lens.
Partially-Stacked Sensor
Harnessing the power of the EXPEED 7 Processor, the Nikon Z6III is the first Z series camera with a partially-stacked sensor. This allows for tremendously fast stills shooting, up to 120 fps. The partially stacked sensor, vs. fully stacked, enables the Z6III to keep its prosumer price point while adding performance that rivals flagship-level cameras. With 24.5MP, the Z6III has plenty of resolution to cover a wide range of genres and uses.
Flexible Picture Control
Nikon has not forgotten that cameras are devices we use to capture our personal vision. The Z6III, along with NX studio, allows us even more creative control by allowing us to create Custom picture controls that can be uploaded directly to the Z6III.
Vertical Grip
Nikon Also Introduced the Nikon MB-N14 Power Battery Pack. This vertical grip is compatible with the new Z6III, Z7II, and Z6II. It offers a battery life of up to approximately 1.9x over the battery in the Z6III. The grip holds two EN-EL15c batteries (hot-swappable). It supports USB power delivery and charging, even acting as a charger when not connected to the Z6III.
Who Should Use the Nikon Z6III?
As someone currently working with a pair of Nikon Z6IIs, I can say this camera is perfect for me. But who else? The Z6III is ideal for those who want a versatile camera that can handle a variety of tasks daily and with high quality. Photographers, yes. Filmmakers, yes. Even more so, this camera is the ideal tool for creators. Those who are working in more than just a single media. They may mix photography and video production in their work and have a variety of clients or desire a camera that can cover a variety of genres. The Z6III is an excellent second or backup camera for Z8/Z9 users
Nikon Z6II vs Nikon Z6III
While the Nikon Z6III will feel comfortable in the hands of a Z6 or Z6II shooter, some upgrades make this step in the Z6 line’s evolution very significant.
| Specifications & Features | Nikon Z6II | Nikon Z6III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.5 CMOS | 24.5MP Partially-Stacked CMOS |
| Video | H.264/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit UHD 4K/60p Full HD/120p slow motion | 6K/60p Internal N-RAW video recording + oversampled 4K UHD, 4K/120p, Full HD/240p slow motion |
| EVF | 3,690,000 Dot | 5,760,000 Dot |
| Autofocus | AF Detection Down to -4EV | AF Detection Down to -10EV |
| ISO Sensitivity | 100-51200 (Extended: 204800) | 100-64000 (Extended: 204800) |
Conclusion
From the minute I saw the first Z 6, I knew this line was for me. It was a small, take-anywhere body with powerful photo and video features. When it was released, the Z6II became my workhorse, and much of my work had moved to video production. Now, I find myself shooting more stills again with a smaller kit, and I can see that the Z6III and its low-light capabilities are once again the tools I need to create the content, I imagine.
